As is the case with many manufacturing organizations, this organization has placed an emphasis on the
importance of quality in product and service offerings. The organization has been on the forefront of quality
initiatives such as participatory management, employee empowerment, the use of quality circles in manufacturing,
and just-in-time manufacturing. In a recent annual report, one executive observed that it might be impossible for an
organization to improve quality, safety, productivity, and flexibility, and reduce costs all at the same time. This
executive, however, noted that it’s something the organization is getting more skilled at every day.